Japan baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani makes history - he joins LA Dodgers in richest contract in the history of North American sport

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif., June 21, 2023. Ohtani agreed Saturday, Dec. 9, to a record US$700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. - AP

LOS ANGELES (AFP): Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani confirmed on Saturday he is joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in a record-shattering 10-year, US$700 million (RM3.625 billion) deal -- the richest contract in the history of North American sport.

After weeks of frenzied speculation over where the 29-year-old Los Angeles Angels two-way ace would land in free agency, Ohtani announced on Instagram he had opted for his former club's cross-town rivals.